[DallasDeb]

So, just where would smokers eat if all the restaurants are no-smoking allowed? The problem with the waiver is that there are still restaurants that are allowed smoking. If there was no waiver, then they would all be on an even playing field. BTW, perhaps the decline in sales is due to the economy, not the smoking ban.

[Just another Joe]

If there was no waiver, then they would all be on an even playing field. BTW, perhaps the decline in sales is due to the economy, not the smoking ban.

If there was no smoking ban they would all be on an even playing field also. Let the market economy make the decision.

It's possible that the downturn in the economy is affecting it, I suppose.
If this is the case shouldn't it also affect eateries in states that still allow smoking? It's only logical.

[VoodooEconomist]

So, just where would smokers eat if all the restaurants are no-smoking allowed?

In one Maryland community, the liberal anti-Smoking Nazis weren't satisfied with smoke-free restaurants. They were going to ban smoking outdoors anywhere within the limits of the town. So for those of you who think coercive liberals plan on stopping at restaurants ... or just with smoking, think again. It's already started with car phones. Next will be donuts or listening to the radio. Don't laugh. WHen liberals run out of causes, they pursue really stupid things - all having coercion in common (e.g. reparations).

[jimt]

So, just where would smokers eat if all the restaurants are no-smoking allowed?

We probably will go to McDonald's rather than waste our money on a place which won't accomodate us.

My wife and I drove on our honeymoon to Austin (Texas' Beijing on the Brazos) only to find this obnoxious policy in force. We left immediately, without eating, and cancelled our hotel reservations. And we've never been back, and won't go back. The smoking Nazis can keep it. And lose the several $K we'd have spent.

[VRWC_minion]

So, just where would smokers eat if all the restaurants are no-smoking allowed?

At home I hope.

[Gabz]

I disagree.

Historically smokers spend more money (because they spend more time) and tip better than the non-smokers(because they spend more money).

Restaurants have gone non-smoking on their own, with out the government getting involved. some of them have made it and some of them have gone back to allowing smoking.

conservative thought should be that the individual business owner should be able to make the decision, based upon his/her clientele - don't you agree??????

[Great Dane]

The economy has very little to do with it, as most of the bans has been in effect for years,at that time the economy was booming.

But we knew you would all use that excuse..... too funny.